GE Switches to New Technology That Reaps Huge CO2 Reduction

Employees at GE’s branch that builds refrigerators, GE Appliances & Lighting, recently discovered that a new compound or hydrocarbon, cyclopentane , can slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Cyclopentane is a foam-blowing agent that shoots insulation into the doors and casings of refrigerators and freezers. Previously, GE used a hydrocarbon named tetrafluoroethane, or HFC-134a. With the switch to cyclopentane, however, GE’s Decatur, Alabama plant can eliminate over 400,000 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. The change also reduces the Decatur plant’s total GHG emissions by 80%. Furthermore, GE’s engineers and managers realized that the product contributes to energy efficiency and is also cheaper, saving buyers money. As of now the new process affects three of GE’s freezer-top refrigerator disposal.